A year in review for Australian retail

There is no doubt that the last financial year again tested the resilience of our community.???

But as I reflect on the year, I am enormously proud of our efforts to rally together and to remain a united and strong sector. And to continue to claim our place as an industry of enormous influence.?

It really has been a perfect storm of issues.? During a year which was meant to see a post-pandemic recovery, we saw a continuous slowdown in consumer spending, a strong increase to the cost of doing business, increased retail crime and continued labour shortages which strained our capabilities.??

On top of all of this, the pace of government reform was relentless with the Federal Government introducing sweeping industrial relations reforms which affected the operational energy of retailers across the nation.? Of course, all of these challenges took place alongside our efforts to prepare for future challenges such as the rise of artificial intelligence, and cyber security concerns alongside the impact of sustainability requirements on our operations.?

I am enormously proud of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) advocacy efforts in the face of all these headwinds. Through proactive engagements, submissions, and feedback, the ARA maintained a powerful voice for our members to navigate these multifaceted challenges.?

We remain focused on our five policy priorities:?

? To build a strong retail sector – We have addressed important issues such as the growing cost of doing business, trading hour reforms, navigating accelerated digital transformation, privacy and digital rights, and strengthening cyber resilience.?

? An engaged workforce – this includes proactive engagement in crucial areas related to employment, wage policies, and industrial relations reforms.??

? Safe and Inclusive Workplaces - We have intensified our response to retail crime and assaults against retail workers, working successfully with government and unions on further legislative changes. Our annual ARA x 德勤 Gender Equality Symposium and second annual CEO Lunch focused on empowerment of First Nations people. We also drafted, consulted, and launched the ARA’s position statement on reconciliation and constitutional recognition, ahead of the referendum.?

? More Sustainable Practices –the delivery of the Net Zero Masterclass Series to help members develop their own strategies in response to climate change. This was in addition to continued work with state and territory governments on single-use plastics bans and container deposit schemes. Sustainability has also been the topic of numerous webinars and education campaigns as well as an annual breakfast event.?

? A Resilient Supply Chain – Whilst supply chain conditions have stabilised, we continue to represent the retail sector on monthly Supply Chain roundtables convened by the federal government.?

Our ARA Advisory Committees are a valuable source of member feedback, ensuring the ARA remains at the forefront of industry issues, making our advocacy efforts more focused, relevant, and effective.?

In line with our vision of achieving a single, strong, and unified voice to represent the retail community, the ARA also welcomed members from the National Footwear Retailers Association (NFRA) and the Australian Association of Floral Designers (AAFD) with their merger with the ARA, coming under the one banner in the past year.??

ARA strategic partners also play a vital role in expanding our service offering and knowledge base for members.

A couple of significant highlights …?

• At the start of the fiscal year, we were pleased to hold in celebration of post covid ARA’s Gala No 1 black tie event (August 2023), bringing together 400+ retailers to celebrate our industry.??
• We also hosted our first in-person, full day Leaders Forum (February 2023). The event was sold out with over 400 delegates and 30 speakers.??

We continue to achieve more than 80% media share of voice for our sector and have strategically positioned ourselves to be at the forefront of key discussions and narratives for the retail industry and commit to ensuring that the perspectives, concerns, and aspiration of our members resonate powerfully and distinctly.?????

The ARA achieved a significant milestone this year with the ARA’s contribution to the establishment of the Job and Skills Council (named Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA) ) to address the skills and training challenges for industry. This was a complex, collaborative effort involving multiple sectors including retail, personal services, hospitality, tourism, and the arts, as well as government and union stakeholders. Spearheaded by the ARA, this initiative will provide long-term benefits for the retail sector through shaping the skill sets and training programs that will shape the future of retail.?

The resilience and adaptability the ARA demonstrated, combined with our focus on our own fiscal management, have been instrumental in ensuring such a positive outcome for the ARA in a challenging environment.?

As we transition to FY24, the retail economic outlook remains uncertain. The retail sector faces an evolving industrial relations landscape, increased costs, and shifting consumer behaviours and supply chain pressures. Retailers, however, have continued to demonstrate their resilience and adaptability and the inherent strength and innovative spirit following on from the pandemic.?

Thank You

I extend my deepest gratitude to our President, Nicole Sheffield and the entire ARA Council for their unwavering support throughout this year. Their guidance, insight, and dedication have been instrumental in ensuring the ARA continues to grow.?

To our strategic partners, thank you for your enduring support.??

At the ARA, each team member has played an invaluable role, bringing their passion, expertise, and commitment.??Their collaborative efforts have forged much of the progress we have achieved in the last year. A sincere, thank you goes out to my amazing team (pictured).??

And finally, a special thanks to our members who support and fund our work. We couldn’t do what we do without you.??

As we reflect on the year gone by and set our sights on the coming year, let us continue to celebrate the spirit of adaptability and resilience that defines retail, and work together to ensure the viability of this dynamic sector.?

May I take this opportunity to wish you and your families all the very best for the Festive Season.??